Legal CPS Regional Attorney

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Wichita Falls, TX

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected: children, elderly, and people with disabilities, from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS is a qualifying organization for the Service Loan Forgiveness Program. DFPS also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as Texasaver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas. As an additional benefit you will receive 12 days of paid annual leave, 12 sick days, and the potential to earn up to four days of administrative leave each year. Your annual paid leave accrual increases as your tenure increases. This position provides direct representation in court in legal cases for both Child Protective Services. The position provides expertise, guidance and instruction in family law, civil litigation, and agency policy. The position monitors the progress of all Texas Department of Family and Protective Services court cases within the assigned area of responsibility and takes appropriate measures to ensure the timely and appropriate resolution of those cases. The position interacts routinely with caseworkers, supervisors, program directors and program administrators; agency attorneys, county and district attorneys, and opposing counsel; judges; agency clients, witnesses, community professionals, and expert witnesses; and protective services clients and the general public.

Requirements

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
• Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• Graduation from an accredited law school and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• Ability to drive a vehicle
• Ability to lift and carry objects
• Ability to operate a computer, including operating word-processing, data management and other computer software
• Ability to be capable of verbal and written communication
• Ability to operate machinery and equipment, such as copiers, facsimile, and other office equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of family law, probate law, guardianship law, elder law, and civil practice.
• Ability to synthesize law, administrative rules, agency policies and goals, and best practice recommendations to reach an appropriate interpretation.
• Ability to convey complex legal ideas and instructions clearly to staff.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional working relationships with agency staff and the legal community.

Responsibilities

• Advises staff on legal matters and interprets laws, regulations, and policies.
• Advises county and district attorneys on legal matters, and interprets laws, regulations, and policies.
• Provides agency representation in court cases. Prepares cases for trial and handles the trial on most cases.
• Provides legal training to agency staff and the legal community.
• Coordinates specialized legal efforts with appropriate experts.
• Prepares or supervises the preparation of legal opinions, briefs, legal pleadings, and reports.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
• Assists in formulating, establishing, and coordinating office systems.
• Promotes, monitors, and ensures that respect is demonstrated for cultural diversity.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy

Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service
• 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior